Colyer Embraces Opportunity in Banking
Aaron Colyer, treasury management specialist at Raccoon Valley Bank, said a career in banking won’t leave you feeling tied down because of the opportunities for growth. He is proud of the ways he applied skills from a previous career to revamp the bank’s business product suite. Colyer encourages anyone interested in banking to avoid complacency because of the competitive nature of banking.
Colyer said involvement with the IBA has provided helpful regulatory resources for his bank and has strengthened his knowledge of the banking world. A guiding quote in his life is from Craig Groeschel, senior pastor at Life.Church. “It’s the things that no one sees that result in the things everyone wants.”
When looking back on your banking career, what achievement are you most proud of and why?
I started in banking in 2012 working for a large bank. My best achievement was using the knowledge and resources I gained from my past career to bring over to Raccoon Valley Bank to revamp our business product suite. We added much-needed products to help our business owners worry less about their bank and more about their business.
What piece of advice would you give to your past self or to anyone considering a career in banking?
Never get complacent. Banking is always changing and very competitive. Always be looking for different ways to set yourself apart and stand out for your business customers.
What is your best elevator pitch for why banking is a great career?
Banking is a great career path for anyone looking to get into a stable career. There are so many different opportunities in banking that you are never tied down to just one. You can be like me; I started in a mortgage call center, moved into retail, and am now on the treasury management side.
How does getting involved with the Iowa Bankers Association help you and your bank?
The IBA is a great resource for my line of work. They offer wonderful trainings that have helped strengthen my knowledge of the banking world. They help our bank stay ahead of regulations and they have great resources for any question that I have.
When you’re not at work, what do you like to do most?
I enjoy hanging out with my family. My boys keep me busy with all their activities, and in the evening, my wife and I like to binge watch our favorite TV shows and listen to our dogs snore. I also grew up an hour outside of Philadelphia, so I am a huge Eagles fan and am excited to see how they play after winning the Super Bowl.
What is a quote or guiding principle you live by?
I absolutely love this quote by Craig Groeschel, senior pastor at Life.Church (I attend the Des Moines campus). “It’s the things that no one sees that result in the things everyone wants.”